The Afflecks are playing to win

Ben Affleck’s Argo opened pretty strong this weekend. The word of mouth is even stronger which means it’ll likely hold. Which of course means that it’s enough to satisfy the Academy, not that the Academy wasn’t already impressed. Argo is going to the ex-Kodak now-Dolby. There’s no doubt. But can it win?

Well, they’re trying. The Afflecks, they are trying.

Look at this.

Please.

When have you known them to be like this?

Check out Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in Paris for the premiere, happily posing with fans, not minding at all the paps shooting them as they hold hands on the Avenue Montaigne. How much does he love his wife?! He’s taking her to Chanel! He’s whisked her away for a quick trip away from the kids for some romance (and campaigning)! He’s a doting husband appreciating his supportive wife. And she’s the supportive wife always nurturing his artistic brilliance.

Oh but this is good, isn’t it?

And it has to be. In the director category, Ben will likely be up against any combination of the following; Steven Spielberg (Lincoln), PT Anderson (The Master), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables), Kathryn Bigelow (Zero Dark Thirty), David O Russell (The Silver Linings Playbook), Ang Lee (Life Of Pi), and maybe Quentin Tarantino (Django Unchained). This is a strong, STRONG year. And this, right here, what you’re seeing in Paris, is where the Afflecks have the advantage on the others. They’re playing to their strengths.